(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – People in Iceland are divided on whether their country should enter the European Union (EU), according to a poll by Capacent Gallup. 45.5 per cent of respondents do not want to join the continental group, but 39.7 per cent would like Iceland to be a member.
(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – People in Iceland are divided on whether their country should enter the European Union (EU), according to a poll by Capacent Gallup. 45.5 per cent of respondents do not want to join the continental group, but 39.7 per cent would like Iceland to be a member.
Iceland has been severely affected by a domestic economic crisis. In 2008, the country’s three major banks—Glitnir, Landsbanki and Kaupthing—collapsed following setbacks in their refinancing plans. The Icelandic krona lost 35 per cent of its value against the euro. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and individual countries have provided $10 billion U.S. on loans to Iceland.
Thousands of people in the country of just over 300,000 have protested against the government’s handling of the crisis.
In January, Independence Party (SSF) leader and Icelandic prime minister Geir Haarde—who was criticized for a perceived lack of regulation of the banking sector—announced his resignation, explaining that he has been diagnosed with cancer of the esophagus.
On Feb. 1, Johanna Sigurdardottir of the Social Alliance (SF) was sworn in as head of government. A new general election will take place on Apr. 25.
Iceland, which is not a member of the EU, has considered adopting the common European currency, the euro. Earlier this year, EU enlargement commissioner Olli Rehn rejected the idea of Iceland adopting the euro without fully entering the union.
On Mar. 8, Knutur Signarsson, leader of the pro-EU Federation of Icelandic Trade, declared: "People are fed up with this economic and political instability and don’t know where to turn. (…) That’s why we must push for a referendum and quickly launch entry talks—because the EU is our best chance for stability."
Polling Data
Do you want Iceland to join the European Union (EU)?
|
Yes |
39.7% |
|
No |
45.5% |
|
Not sure |
14.8% |
Source: Capacent Gallup
Methodology: Interviews to 1,313 Icelandic adults, conducted from Feb. 11 to Feb. 25, 2009. No margin of error was provided.
